All it takes is an instant for a car collision to occur. In contrast, the repercussions engage you in a pattern that you can’t get out of for days and weeks. Sometimes you may pay for the damages even if the accident wasn’t due to your fault. If you are feeling trapped, then you need not be too anxious. You may take some steps that help you claim for the damages hassle-free when you are not at fault during an accident in NSW.
Having car insurance helps you manage situations where you don’t have to pay the price for someone else’s mistake. Purchase suitable cover so you will have a financial backup to potentially compensate the opposite party and others who might have suffered vehicle or property damage due to the untoward road event, even if it wasn’t your fault. Sometimes you know you weren’t at fault but the evidence shows otherwise so you are listed as the at-fault party. Making a claim request with your car insurance online provider when you are a party to an accident is a lot easier and costs a lot less money than having to pay up and organise repairs on your own.
Have insurance? Don’t panic. Gather all necessary details and photos of the occurrence straight after the event then let your car insurance NSW provider know preliminary details about the incident. They will talk you through the extra details they need. You may need to call back later to elaborate on the incident once you have gathered yourself and are in the right state of mind to talk. They may ask you to summarize the event and share it through email too. What you convey to your insurer is essential, as they take your statement seriously and verify it before deciding the final payout.
What are the steps to take when you are not at fault in a road accident?
Amass Substantial Evidence
Collect supporting evidence to prove your point. Accidents occur within a fraction of a second. It will be pretty difficult to judge who is to be blamed for the unfortunate road event. So, hold your horses and gather solid proof then file a claim immediately after if you want the process to take off smoothly.
Maintain a Record
We know it’s a tricky situation; still, you must be practical and ensure:
- You have the right details for all parties involved in the incident
- You have taken clear photos of the accident, location, damage to both the cars, position of cars and property in relation to the incident and any other relevant aspects at the scene that may help you strengthen your claim.
- You have taken a backup of your dash cam recordings to corroborate your account of the accident.
- You have voice recorded or written statements from eyewitnesses to support your narration, plus their contact details.
Inquire Other Driver’s Details
Ask all the right questions like the opposite party’s full name, contact number and address, driver’s license number, vehicle plate number, insurer, and other vital details. If the driver refuses to disclose or in a hit-and-run case, or if anyone is seriously injured, it would be best to contact the police.
Contact Your Insurer
Be honest with your insurer. Talk to your insurance provider right away, inform them about the mishappening, and mention that you aren’t at fault. It is an essential step as you never know if you have to deal with an opposite party who denies responsibility for the accident, exits the accident scene, or doesn’t have vehicle insurance.
If you are deemed at fault, your compulsory third party insurance will take care of the compensation for the third-party injuries and fatalities. Still, you will have to bear some expenditure to cover the losses for third party vehicle/property damage as well as for any damage to your car.
If you have comprehensive car insurance, even if you are at fault in an accident you will have coverage for such costs. So, inquire into car insurance online policies before you set out on the road. With car insurance in NSW, you will lose only a little, even if you are not at fault in an accident.